Milton Keynes Pride Festival 2022

2022

WWW.MILTONKEYNESPRIDEFESTIVAL.COM YOUR FREE GUIDE TO PRIDE • CAMPBELL PARK A CELEBRATION OF MILTON KEYNES LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

INTRODUCTION

MKPF welcomes you to our 2022 Pride event!

This year has been super busy, we welcomed a new director and extended our team to 6 people.

We are all volunteers who are passionate about Pride and what it stands for.

2022 is the best yet with much more for our beautiful LGBTQ+ community and their allies to experience, with two music stages, Community Tent, Kids Space and Comedy all FREE! The team have worked with some amazing companies that have sponsored these areas.

They all have a yearlong commitment to supporting their LGBTQ+ staff and customers, with a view to developing this further. In total we have raised approximately £150,000 and we are incredibly proud and feel blessed to have done so.

Pride is an important place to be seen, feel heard and learn from each other, it is a protest to say we will not be silenced. Whether this is in a march or having the courage to walk down the street as your true self, even if people may be unkind or worse. Within Milton Keynes many of our community are still unable to be their true selves for many reasons, we still have so many young LGBTQ+ people that are homeless due to their sexual identity or gender identity. We hope that this event will help us to move forward together, for allies to realise why we need you so much, to share that there is still much to be done but most importantly, how absolutely amazing our community is!

Helen Pritchard Director

MKPF 2021

2

CONTENTS SPONSORS

04 COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS

05

SANTANDER

06

SANTANDER

07

DHL

08

DHL

09

COMMUNITY STAGE

10

FULL LINE-UP

11

RAINBOW STAGE

12

RAINBOW STAGE

13

RAINBOW STAGE HOSTS

14

DRAG & CABARET STAGE HOSTS

15

DRAG & CABARET STAGE

16

DRAG & CABARET STAGE

17

VOLKSWAGEN

18

VOLKSWAGEN

19

NHBC

20

MEARS

21

SPONSORSHIP

22

12TH STREET

23

FESTIVAL MAP

24

FESTIVAL MAP

25

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

26

Q:ALLIANCE

27

CENTRE:MK

28

CENTRE:MK

29

SANTANDER

30

SANTANDER

31

2021 HIGHLIGHTS

32

12TH STREET

33

WEST BLETCHLEY COUNCIL

34

WEST BLETCHLEY COUNCIL

35

OFFICIAL PRIDE SUPPORTERS

36

MKPF TEAM

37

MEARS • BUCKINGHAM GROUP

38

2021 QUOTES

39

WEST BLETCHLEY COUNCIL

40

3

SPONSORS

4

SPONSORS

COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS

5

Welcome to Milton Keynes Pride Festival 2022, proudly sponsored by Santander.

This is the second time that Santander UK has sponsored the event and it’s great to see how much it’s growing every year. It’s a real testament to the importance the day has to the local LGBTQ+ community.

When we were approached to sponsor today, we didn’t hesitate in saying yes! As one of the largest local employers we know how important it is to further demonstrate our commitment to this great city of Milton Keynes.

It’s not just about bricks and mortar, although I’m really looking forward to Unity Place opening next year, it’s about supporting our people to be able to be their true authentic selves.

As well as being the bank’s Chief Financial Officer I’ve been the Executive Sponsor of our LGBTQ+ people network Embrace for just over a year. Over the last 12 months I’ve learned a huge amount about what makes up the community and some of the challenges you face. What I’ve also noticed at any LGBTQ+ event I’ve attended is the outpouring of positivity and happiness, a true sense of family. It’s that sense of belonging we nurture in Santander.

Pride events came from protest, but nowadays there’s also an element of celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and that’s what you’ll find here today.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

6

Unity Place – space to be you Unity Place will be Santander UK’s new HQ from 2023 – and it’s been designed from the beginning be a space unlike any other.

Helping people and businesses prosper is the centre of what we do, and it’s how we intend to ensure that Unity Place is a catalyst for good.

Our ground floor is open to the public and will house a variety of local street food vendors, small concessions, a restaurant, bakery, and corner shop – not to mention our own branch and events centre. Take the dedicated lifts up to the top floor and grab some hot food and a drink at our Sky Venue and enjoy the sunset on the terrace while you choose which wellbeing class to attend next door in our Wellbeing Centre.

There are opportunities to support social enterprise everywhere you look. Whether it’s recycling bread into alcohol, offering master baker apprenticeships, stocking social enterprise brands, selling social enterprise coffee or simply providing world class facilities & support for the local community – Unity Place has got it all.

Sustainability is built into everything we do – from rainwater harvesting systems to air sourced heat pumps and a massive solar farm on the roof – we’ve even filled the building and surrounding area with sympathetic planting, whether that’s in pots, beds, walls, garden bridges or rooftop gardens.

And with our embedded smart sensors and integrated campus app, you can check the weather, the trains, the traffic, order food or even book a ticket for an upcoming event in any of our amazing spaces.

Unity Place is a place where people can be their entire, amazing selves while doing exciting, remarkable things - there are going to be so many things to see and do at Unity Place, we can’t wait to show you!

7

9

●

COMMUNITY STAGE 12:30pm 1PM 1:30PM 2PM 2:30PM 3PM 3:30PM 4PM 4:30PM 5PM 5:30PM

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

●

Gwen Morgan FAITHFULLY LGBTQIA+ MK SIF BROOKES HIDAYAH SARAH JONES DHL SANTANDER KEEGAN HIRST MICHAEL GUNNING BENTLEY JONES Lianne Sanderson

10

SAM & THE WOMP LORDIN LLOYD DANIELS SMASHBY DREAM NAILS HARRY JORDAN THE SHURES IDESTROY FREDDIE LEWIS KATEY BROOKS SOFTLAD HOSTS • SASKI & MARK BYRON

DANNY BEARD LADY IMELDA DON ONE PAULA RANDELL AS TINA TURNER SHANIA PAIN DONNA MARIE AS LADY GAGA PECS DRAG KINGS NATALIE BLACK AS ADELE KEITH GEORGE AS BOY GEORGE HOSTS • SANDY FLAPS & SOCAL VAL

• SAT 10TH SEPT CAMPBELL PARK • WWW.MILTONKEYNESPRIDEFESTIVAL.COM FREE ENTRY • 12PM TO 10:30PM

11

RAINBOW STAGE

12:30PM SOFT LAD

– After fourteen years in the industry, multiinstrumentalist and musical collaborator Sophie Galpin launches her debut solo project, SOFT LAD, with maximalist bop ‘Singapore’.

SOFT LAD sees her become the songwriter she always dreamed of hearing on the radio. Taking something as multi-faceted as queer relationships, she transforms it into direct, hairbrush-in-the-mirror pop music!

1:15PM – FREDDIE LEWIS

Freddie demonstrates a simple, joyful celebration of self-pride that shows up in his being simply who he is. You don’t need to be queer to appreciate his art — you only need to be human.’

Throughout 2022, Freddie brings new perspectives via pop songs with poetry B-sides. He continues to grow as a writer into new spaces and formats, drawing inspiration from literature and enshrining it within his signatory raw brand of pop music.

2PM – KATEY BROOKS Katey Brooks is a rebellious artist that resists

formula. The ‘powerful’ (Evening Standard) songstress defies easy classification, with a sound blending folk, soul, blues and Americana.

Her versatility has become one of her biggest assets when lending her voice to different genres and moods. A devastating song-writing talent she is simply ‘not to be missed’ (Time Out).

3PM – THE SHURES The Shures met on a music networking website and

formed in their band in May 2007. Ever since then they have been writing music and recording across the internet. Chris Kennedy from England (Milton Keynes) , Gabriel Cabrera from Australia, they have recorded online and published themselves on YouTube.

A viral sensation with more than 30 million streams worldwide. In 2015 they appeared on The X Factor singing a romantic cover of Ellie Goulding’s ‘Love Me Like You Do’ and wowed the audience and judges making it through the auditions!

3:45PM – SAM & THE WOMP “Multi-Platinum selling and Number One

UK band Sam and The Womp are now eagerly preparing new music with fresh collaborators to bring their vibrant BRASS and BEATS sound to Festival stages around the world. Celebrating their 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY of the 2012 NUMBER ONE DANCE Phenomenon “BOM BOM.” Fronted by award winning U.K trumpeter Sam Ritchie and songstress Fedzilla Sam & The Womp draw on their eclectic heritage, breaking free of convention, prioritizing the party and creating a cultural explosion.

4:30PM – LLOYD DANIELS Lloyd Daniels is a Welsh singer who

reached the quarter final in series 6 of the X Factor UK. His mentor was Cheryl Cole and he came fifth in the competition. After X-factor he moved into musical theatre.

He has performed in ‘Elf the Musical’, he also played Ben in ‘Closets the Musical’.

Daniels found this an enjoyable role that shows the problems and both the light and dark sides of life as a member of the LGBT+ community.

12

RAINBOW STAGE

5:15PM – DREAM NAILS Founded by feminist activists, the four-piece mix political rage with queer joy, winning hearts (and funds for abortion charities) wherever they go.

Founded in 2015. The group identify themselves as “punk witches” and are known for their riotous live shows that mix storming punk guitar with sweet three-part harmonies.

6:15PM IDESTROY

– Since forming in 2015, the trio, who met as students in Bristol, have played more than 300 gigs across the UK, Europe and Asia, selling out shows in South Korea and multiple tours in Germany. IDestroy’s debut album (We Are Girls) was released February 2021.

Rife with swearing and sarcasm and steeped in camaraderie and attitude, (We Are Girls) is a party-punk album which reflects the energy and chaos of their live shows.

7:15PM HARRY JORDAN

– Very much a band of 2022, but with an image harking naturally back to the classic days of fifties calendar glamour, their sound is a force of nature, a radio friendly barrage of good times and primal energy, with tales of Hellfire, bad women and the equally bad men that are their eternal opposites.

For fans of Imelda May and Amy Winehouse, classic rock and roll, soul voices and for anyone who loves a great song with a modern lyrical twist!

8:15PM LORDIN

– Born and raised in West London, the singer, songwriter Lordin was destined to carve out a successful career in the entertainment industry.

Lordin focuses on merging pop culture with his own identity carving out his own lane.

Lordin continues to push boundaries and seeks representation in his art as it’s super important to him. Lordin is certain to make his unique mark on the music industry.

9PM SMASHBY

– Smashby is a “queer artist on the rise” known for collaborating with Aja (RuPaul’s Drag Race US) and Divina De Campo (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK).

Becoming a favourite on the UK Pride circuit, attracting international media coverage including airplay on BBC Radio. All while building a name for himself as an Anti-Bullying Ambassador after he toured schools and colleges across the country to promote the campaign.

9:45PM – STOOSHE Stooshe are a British girl group based in London,

consisting of members Alexandra Buggs, Karis Anderson and Courtney Rumbold.

After being Signed to Warner Music in 2011, The girls then went on to release their biggest hit to date “Black Heart” which was nominated for Best British Single of the year at the Brits 2013.

After a string of top 10 hits, a top 10 album, and hundreds of live performances Including festivals, supporting the likes of Nicki Minaj & JLO on tour - Stooshe well and truly made their mark in the charts and in British Pop culture.

13

RAINBOW STAGE HOSTS

DAY HOST – SASKI Saski is a well-established LGBTQ+ Inclusion Training

Consultant for the workplace and schools, Official PRIDE Host, Life Coach, Interviewer and Radio host. She is also a Panel Moderator and LGBTQ+ Ambassador for Pride Life Magazine, includability.com and PRIDE365.

Saski has appeared on BBC TV, Radio shows and panels, promoting inclusion. Saski has also worked closely with organisations including MyGwork, Inclusive Companies, Diva Magazine, UK PRIDE’s, Mermaids and Diversity Role Models by hosting, training, mentoring and as a spokesperson for LGBTQ+ inclusion.

EVENING HOST MARK BYRON

– Mark Byron is a British reality star, tv and radio presenter, columnist and one of the most recognisable LGBT+ influencers in the UK. With a media career spanning over 10 years and well over 100 televised appearances under his belt.

Mark is best known for his appearance on Big Brother UK and his subsequent regular feature on Big Brothers bit on the side alongside Rylan Clark. Mark is an accomplished presenter and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the entertainment world on both national television and radio.

LUCY SPRAGGAN Performing at MKPF 2021

14

DRAG & CABARET STAGE HOSTS

DAY HOST SANDY FLAPS

– Milton Keynes very own Drag Queen and Milton Keynes Pride festival (DRAG AMBASSADOR). Lively, bubbly, and full of comedy Sandy Flaps will have you in stitches! Her repertoire is performed 100% live! From Neil diamond to Shirley Bassey and a generous helping of musical numbers.

EVENING HOST – SOCAL VAL Valerie “SoCalVal” Wyndham is an

American presenter residing in the UK, recognized for her work in professional wrestling as a manager, ring announcer and on-air host. In addition to maintaining various collaborations as a fashion/beauty influencer. You can catch her on YouTube every Wednesday as one of the hosts of a weekly video series: “Grown Ass Women” TV which focuses on female empowerment.

BAGA CHIPZ Performing at MKPF 2021

15

DRAG & CABARET STAGE

12:30PM DON ONE

– Don One is a Drag King extraordinaire, guaranteed to give you a show stopping performance you’ll never forget. With their silky-smooth voice, super slick style and cheeky chat, Don is guaranteed to make you laff! Known as one of the most comedic drag kings on the scene, Don comes with a big voice and a captivating stage presence having performed live to over 35,000 people.

Don has performed in the sell-out West End Show ‘Death Drop’” and most recently ‘Sleeping Beauty’ as Prince Charming opposite BBC Drag Race UK star (Divina De Campo).

1:15PM – SHANIA PAIN Shania Pain is an fierce performer and

talented queen, she really is a double threat. She can hold a tune like no other, giving Celine Dion a run for her money!

The Liverpool born drag artist, made her West End debut alongside (BBC RuPaul’s Drag Race UK) stars The Vivienne, Tia Kofi and Veronica Green as part of (Drag Queens of Pop. Pain, who sang classic pop covers at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, has previously performed at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern and Heaven Liverpool as well as many venues and pride events across the UK.

2PM ADELE TRIBUTE

– Natalie Black has been performing as Adele since 2011, touring the world over with her amazing tribute. Natalie’s unrivalled show (Home Town Glory) has been reviewed as ‘The best Adele tribute act by a country mile’ Natalie has a very natural likeness to Adele both in looks and voice and puts on a simply stunning performance in full character and replica costumes to all your most loved Adele song.

This award winning show will leave you mesmerised and wanting more!

3PM – BOY GEORGE TRIBUTE The Boy George Experience is a world-

class tribute to the renowned Boy George, with Keith George impersonating the Culture Club icon. Performing both solo Boy George classics and famed hits from his time in the Culture Club, Keith embodies the energy of Boy George in each and every performance.

Performing globally, Keith George has delivered his show-stopping tribute on tours in Australia, Italy, Ireland, Germany and South Africa. Taking to the stage everywhere from nightclubs to outdoor arenas.

3:45PM – PECS DRAG KINGS Pecs Drag Kings are an all-women &

non-binary theatre and cabaret company who’ve been creating critically acclaimed shows for the LGBTQ+ community since 2013.

“Through our drag king cabarets and theatre shows, we explore gender identities, politics & sexuality, to create cultural space for queer women, trans & non-binary folk. Our shows are sexy, raucous and highly entertaining, using songs, dances and comedy to celebrate inclusivity, queerness & community.”

5PM LADY GAGA TRIBUTE

– Donna Marie is hailed as “the most accurate Lady Gaga Tribute on the Planet”, with multiple awards for her Lady Gaga Tribute Show and Act. Part of Donna’s success is her attention to detail and stunning visual performance.

16

DRAG & CABARET STAGE

Cont... Besides having an uncanny resemblance to the star, she has professionally tailored costumes to mimic Gaga’s. These replicas are stitch-perfect, worth thousands of pounds!

Her uncanny natural resemblance to Lady Gaga and convincing and realistic performances, have audiences asking themselves the question… Who is the real Gaga?

6:15PM – LADY IMELDA Lady Imelda was born in the Philippines. She

came to England with a suitcase of dreams and a handbag of nightmares. She performed in London’s West End, playing some ethnic minority roles in musicals such as Miss Saigon and The King And I. As soon as the audience had left the theatre and the stage lights faded down on her, she packed her suitcase of dreams and became a star in dingy little pubs up and down the country singing away her blues. The lady is warm like the merging heat of the East and the coldness of the West. Her voice is pure and powerful like the melodic waves of cockle-rich Morecambe Bay. She is a lady with ‘de vile’ wit, very funny, but be warned unless you like it wacky, you’ll get confused.

7PM DANNY BEARD

– Danny Beard (They/Them) is a multi-award winning, singing she-clown from Liverpool. Since their early days as a Drag Idol UK winner and BGT finalist, Danny’s stormed the drag world, and has residencies across the UK, including London, Birmingham, Cardiff and Manchester.

As a queen who loves the sound of their own voice, Danny can also claim to be a successful voice-over artist and presenter, and stars in their own right.

8PM TINA TURNER TRIBUTE

– Paula as Totally Tina Turner Live. The ‘QUEEN’ of Tina Turner Tributes.

An absolute perfectionist with immense experience in all aspects of the entertainment industry. Recreating Tina Turner’s Last Concert (TINA ‘Live’) the 50th Anniversary tour with exact replica costumes and dance Routines!

‘It was just like singing with the Duchess, you have the voice, the legs, and Tina off to a ‘T’! You are without doubt ‘SIMPLY THE BEST’!

John Miles (Tina Turner’s MD/ Lead Guitarist & VOCALIST)

9:15PM – ELLIE DIAMOND ”Ding Dong bitches, the baby doll of

Dundee has arrived.” Season 2 - RuPaul’s Drag Race UK BBC – Top Four Ellie comes from the feminine version of her real name, Elliot. Diamond comes from the fact that she “shines like a diamond”. Ellie has also stated that her stage name comes from her three favourite singers Ellie Goulding, Marina and The Diamonds and Hannah Diamond. She says her drag has been heavily influenced by them.

10PM DIVINA DE CAMPO

– Drag superstar of stage and screen and finalist in RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Divina de Campo is known for her high soprano and four octave range which have landed her leading roles in Chicago the Musical and the stage adaption of Hedwig.

When she isn’t on a stage or filming, you will find Divina making music or raising awareness for one of the many charities that she supports.

17

Volkswagen Group UK’s support for and involvement in the wonderful Milton Keynes Pride Festival is more than just a gesture – it’s a clear message from all of us: Volkswagen Group as a global company, Volkswagen Group in the United Kingdom (which encompasses the brands of Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, CUPRA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles), our brand’s dealer partners, and Volkswagen Group UK team-mates of all backgrounds. It is a way to show our commitment to promote diversity and inclusion – to customers, to employees and to the public, so that nobody ever feels left out, or less-than their authentic selves.

The We Drive Proud UK Employee Network Group (ENG) represents LGBTQ+ employees at Volkswagen Group UK, as well as ‘ally’ colleagues in support of their LGBTQ+ teammates. The ENG sits within a wider Diversity and Inclusion programme at Volkswagen Group UK, with Driven Women; Cultural Diversity; Disability and Neurodiversity; and Parents and Carers ENGs all very active and thriving within the business.

18

For Milton Keynes Pride Festival, ALL employees have been encouraged to get involved, and we are delighted by the huge response from across the business. The company’s inaugural sponsorship last year originated from the We Drive Proud UK ENG, but following the success of 2021’s involvement, more and more colleagues expressed interest in being a part of this colourful and enriching project.

The Volkswagen Group We Drive Proud UK network was established in late 2019. Membership has expanded from a handful of original attendees to now include Board and management team members, and allies across the whole business.

Further information on Volkswagen Group’s Diversity and Inclusion programme can be found at vwgjobs.co.uk/jobs/workinghere/

19

Proud to sponsor the Rainbow Kids Space We’re working with our LGBT+ colleague network to make sure that everyone feels comfortable to bring their whole selves to work. We’re also proud to offer equalised maternity, paternity and adoption packages for all new parents.

We know there’s still more to do.

Join us on our diversity and inclusion journey.

Visit nhbc.co.uk/careers

National House-Building Council (NHBC) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority in respect of carrying on its insurance business and its insurance distribution activities.

NHBC is registered in England and Wales under company number 00320784. NHBC’s registered address is NHBC House, Davy Avenue, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK5 8FP. Note that only certain parts of NHBC’s products and services are within the scope of UK financial services regulation. For more information on our products and services, please see our website nhbc.co.uk or your NHBC product documentation.

T228 08/22

Mears are very proud to be powering Milton Keynes Pride Festival.

We also pride ourselves on our work in the local community, so we know what a special community we have in Milton Keynes. We are always looking for new talent to come and join us - whether that’s direct from school or college, or if you already have experience in the housing maintenance sector please look out for opportunities on our website if you are interested in joining the Mears Team!

21

We hope everyone has a great day and we look forward to meeting you in the future. @MearsGroup @MearsGroupPLC @MearsGroup www.mearsgroup.co.uk

SPONSORSHIP Sponsorship with milton keynes pride festival is a great opportunity to be present at milton keynes largest LGBTQ+ event.

Showing your business or organisation supports your LGBTQ+ staff and customers along with our local community.

Working closely with our cic you will be able to demonstrate your diversity and inclusion.

The team have worked with some amazing companies that all have a year long commitment to supporting their LGBTQ+ staff and customers, with a view to developing this further.

For more information on sponsor packages on all levels please email: info@miltonkeynespridefestival.com

22

24

MK PRIDE FESTIVAL MAP

Campbell Park - Events Plateau COMMUNITY & COMEDY

REUNITE HUB Pride Youth Space FIRST AID - MEDICAL Centre EMERGENCY EXITS MAIN ENTRANCE & EXIT TOILETS

HQ

Mobiloo Accessibility HYDRATION STATION PRIDE VILLAGE

25

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PARTNER

“MK Community Foundation send funding where it’s needed most in Milton Keynes, by guiding businesses, philanthropists and charities to the right giving and grants, they’re on a mission for a fairer community.

The Community Foundation have recently formed a Strategic Partnership with Milton Keynes Pride Festival, working together to ensure the event is as accessible as possible, as part of the Community Foundation’s mission to be inclusive in everything it does and to increase the knowledge of the LGBTQ+ community among the local voluntary sector and other partners.

The whole team are thrilled to be part of this fantastic event again, working together towards acceptance and celebration of LGBTQ+ people. www.mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk @mkcommunityfoundation @mkcomfoundation @mkcomfoundation

26

Bringing together the local LGBTQ+ community

Q:alliance is a small charity with a bold mission - to support a safe and informed LGBTQ+ community that feels empowered to contribute fully to a healthy society.

This year has seen the charity grow from strength to strength offering different activities and support to the community across Milton Keynes and Bedford.

We are proud to have been able to support LGBTQ+ people through providing weekly youth groups, adult socials, workshops, training, school outreach, parent of LGBTQ+ children meets and much more.

To continue our work within the community we need your help. You can help by volunteering your time or donating whatever you can afford, every penny helps fund and run our important services.

I would like to thank everyone who has generously donated, fundraised, volunteered, or helped raise our profile this year, we really do appreciate it.

Richard Cooper CEO

www.qalliance.org.uk

find us on

SENSORY SPONSOR

centre:mk are proud to be sponsoring Milton Keynes Pride Festival once again this year as Volunteer sponsor & Sensory Space sponsor.

Families and individuals with sensory processing needs can take a few moments in the (Sensory Calming Tent) to step away from the excitement of the event into a relaxing, calm spacewhere they can chill out and recuperate.

For more than 40 years, centre:mk has been striving to create a connected and inclusive community.

As the region’s primary shopping and dining destination, the centre plays a key role in the economic prosperity of the city. Over 4,000 employees make up the centre:mk team, across the retailers, restaurants and cafés, as well as the independent businesses and centre management who serve and welcome over 24 million visitors each year, reflecting a diverse range of age, ethnicity, gender and belief.

28

VOLUNTEER SPONSOR

Our partnership with MKPF reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting, supporting and giving visibility to the LGBTQ+ community, enabling them to be who they are and enriching the fabric of Milton Keynes life. We are dedicated to ensuring that centre:mk continues to be at the heart of a wonderfully diverse and vibrant community, that is welcoming to all.

29

Introducing Santander’s LGBTQ+ Network: Embrace Embrace is Santander’s LGBTQ+ people network. It has over 2,500 members and allies across all areas of Santander including Branches, Contact Centres and Head Offices and is one of the largest of the bank’s people networks.

It’s dedicated team of volunteers have a robust focus centred around raising awareness of intersectionality and less well-represented groups within the LGBTQ+ community. They achieve this through ongoing engagement with all other people networks as well as our HR Inclusion, Wellbeing & Belonging Teams.

Embrace also collaborates closely across the bank to continuously enhance the experience of our colleagues, customers, and the communities, like Milton Keynes, in which we operate.

TJ Richards, Embrace National Co-Chair and Milton Keynes native commented: “I’m super excited that the Bank is sponsoring MKPF this year.

As a large local employer, it’s incredibly important that we show support to the LGBTQ+ community in Milton Keynes and all it’s wonderful rainbow residents!”

30

#ThePlaceToBeYourself – Everyday Inclusion at Santander At Santander we’re driven by our purpose - to help people and businesses prosper and we do this by always living our values of Simple, Personal and Fair.

We are committed to making sure all our colleagues feel they belong and are supported to succeed. Our customers come from a wide range of backgrounds, and we are committed to ensuring that our people reflect the communities we serve. We therefore welcome applications from individuals from all different backgrounds, who share our values.

We’re embedding an inclusive culture that encourages our people to bring their full and authentic selves to work. As an organisation we make sure that all our people policies are fully inclusive and that they support our LGBTQ+ colleagues and our family related policies are fully inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community & use gender neutral language.

We also have a gender-neutral uniform policy and an extensive gender identity and expression policy which supports our trans and non-binary colleagues. Also, colleagues are encouraged to include pronouns in email signatures & branch colleagues can voluntarily include these on their name badges.

We also have our Embrace Network, an inclusive community for LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies to share information, personal experiences, hold discussions and provide support.

There are Embrace networks across our global footprint.

Embrace is one of eight people networks. There are specific networks for: women; people of colour; people affected by disability; supporting families and carers; focussing on mental wellbeing; improving social mobility and for people who previously were in the military.

Our strength is our people. Their unique talents, perspectives and ideas are what fuel our work and brand. As a company, our goal will always be to create spaces where you feel safe and celebrated for everything you are.

31

2021 Highlights

32

33

West Bletchley Council is

a parish council, representing the first tier of local government and, as such, is “closer to residents” West Bletchley Council currently undertakes the following activities on behalf of local residents:

West Bletchley Council

www.westbletchleycouncil.gov.uk/ facebook.com/westbletchleycouncil facebook.com/frankmoranmarc Please scan to take you to our website

Address: 221 Whaddon Way, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 7DZ

• Representation on local issues e.g. objections and/or support for proposed building development within the parish and beyond.

• Commenting on all proposed planning applications received by Milton Keynes Council, relating to land and/or buildings within the parish.

• Provision and management of allotment plots.

• Provision and management of local events e.g. The West Bletchley Annual Carnival.

• Provision of school holiday activities for young people.

• Management and support for the local community resource centre – The Melrose Avenue Resource Centre (The MARC).

• Responsible for the maintenance of Rickley Park and other open spaces.

• Local Community Safety Initiatives • Provision of a large number of dog waste bins across the parish and free bags for picking up dog waste.

• Free swimming- for qualifying age groups – at Bletchley Leisure Centre Grant funding support for local groups and charities.

PRONOUNS PRONOUNS

Preferred gender pronouns Preferred gender pronouns or or personal gender pronouns personal gender pronouns are the set of pronouns that an individual are the set of pronouns that wants others to use in order to reflect that person’s wants gender identity.

Gender an individual others identity is our internal, individual to useexperience in order to reflect that of gender.

It is directly linked to our sense of self and the sense person’s gender identity. of being male, female, both or neither.

Gender identity is our internal, individual experience of gender. It is directly linked to our sense of self and the sense of being male, female, both or neither.

HE/HIM

THEY/THEM

SHE/HER

ZE/ZIR

THE GENDERBREAD PERSON

Gender is one of those things everyone thinks they under-stand but most people don’t. Gender isn’t binary. It’s not either/or.

In many cases it’s both/and. A bit of this, a dash of that.

This tasty little guide is meant to be an appetizer for gender understanding. It’s okay if you’re hungry for more after reading it. In fact, that’s the idea.

www.genderbread.org

35

OFFICIAL PRIDE SUPPORTER

WE ARE EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO ALL WHO HAVE PURCHASED AN OFFICIAL PRIDE SUPPORTER STICKER.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING US! JOHN LEWIS AND PARTNERS

ADRECO PLASTICS

THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE

BLOSSOM ROOM

STONY STRATFORD FRENCH AFFAIRE KOBE STEAK HOUSE AND LOUNGE OCEAN TREASURES

MAAYA INDIAN KITCHEN AND BAR ELLIS BRIGHAM MOUNTAIN SPORTS MK COLLEGE GROUP MILTON KEYNES PREPARATORY

BREWHOUSE & KITCHEN

SCHOOL AND NURSERY

NEWPORT PAGNELL UNITED

ROBOTAZIA MILTON KEYNES

REFORMED CHURCH

WARBLER ON THE WARF

SIMPLY RACE

MILTON KEYNES

MIDDLETON’S STEAK HOUSE AND

BEYOUTIFUL HAIR SALON MILTON

GRILL MILTON KEYNES

KEYNES GRAND UNION HOUSING GROUP MERCEDES BENZ

36

THE MILTON KEYNES PRIDE FESTIVAL TEAM

KEITH EMMETT III • DIRECTOR HELEN PRITCHARD • DIRECTOR JEANNIE LAURIE - EMMETT • DIRECTOR LEE KAYE • ENTERTAINMENTS MANAGER LUCIE OMAR • VOLUNTEER MANAGER AMY CLAXTON • VOLUNTEER SUPERVISOR NATHAN NAIDOO • STAGE OPERATIONS MANAGER JORDAN COVENTRY • SAFE GUARDING MANAGER PAUL DAVIES • BACKSTAGE HOST LOLA LA’QUEEN • BACKSTAGE HOST RYNO NEL • MKPF TEAM CHAR BIRD • MKPF TEAM KATYA WITZ • MKPF TEAM AURIE JEFFRIES • MKPF TEAM AARON LINTOTT • MKPF TEAM PAULA REIDY • MKPF TEAM EMMA MURPHY • GRAPHICS & DESIGN

37

Mazars is delighted to sponsor Milton Keynes Pride Festival.

We are proud to support the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating progress and advocating for positive change both in our own community and further afield.

Mazars’ purpose is to help build the economic foundations of a fair and prosperous world, and that starts with creating an inclusive, progressive, and diverse team in which everybody is valued for who they are. As allies, members of the LGBTQ+ community and proud residents of Milton Keynes, we’re excited to celebrate Pride in 2022

Buckingham Group Contracting Limited are delighted to be able to sponsor this year’s Milton Keynes Pride Festival for the first time. Having become an EOT (Employee Ownership Trust) in late 2021, our core essence is centred around our DRIVES initiative. We recognise and celebrate that everyone has something beneficial to bring to our business, and encourage and welcome everyone within our local community to contact us if they are looking to join our Buckingham community. Register your interest here: Vacancies – Buckingham Group Contracting We look forward to joining in the festival fun with you and hope you enjoy using the ‘Alfresco Dining’ area!

www.buckinghamgroup.co.uk

38

“This must be what heaven is like, I can’t believe this is real!”

A 12-year-old Trans boy

“I have always felt alone but being here today and seeing all of these people make me feel less alone and safe” A 15 year who took part in the youth panel

“I used the event to educate my son that he can be who he wants and love whoever he wants.” She told us that she was “grateful for a real and genuine setting to be able to show and teach this, rather than a book or quiet conversation behind closed doors.” She felt she had “evidenced a person’s right to be who they are and love who they want by being at the festival!”

A Heterosexual cis ally mother, who attended with her youngest son (aged 11)

“It has been powerful and amazing to be able to talk and actually engage in conversation with the community about their journey and also learn things from the audience, it is not like any other Prides I have been to’.

Jude - a national speaker for the Trans and Non-Binary community who was featured in Harrods Beauty Campaign

“I have done many festivals over the years, I really noticed how happy everyone was, there was no trouble and it just felt like there was love in the air”.

An event supplier who provided the bars “We had so much fun everyone was so relaxed, there were so many families and it really felt like a coming together with the LGBTQ+ community.”

Sponsors feedback from attending on the day

39

West Bletchley Council As a quality gold Council covering a large area in Milton Keynes, West Bletchley Council is delighted to be part of MKPF in 2022.

West Bletchley Council

West Bletchley Council is committed to equality & inclusivity and is proud to be a Sponsor.

Milton Keynes Pride Festival gets better and better each year and we look forward to celebrating with you all.

Follow us on our website and social media pages for what events and activities we have planned for our MK3 residents.

www.westbletchleycouncil.gov.uk/ facebook.com/westbletchleycouncil facebook.com/frankmoranmarc

Quality We focus on services that you think are important and will improve your quality of life.

Action Representing residents views on issues that affect the parish.

Support Providing a range of community and environmental services.